ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Special Service and Features
BSNL appoints Shri. D. Thamizhmani as new Chief General Manager of Tamilnadu Telecom Circle
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited  has appointed Shri. D. Thamizhmani, I.T.S. as Chief General Manager of BSNL Tamilnadu Circle. He belongs to 1989 Batch of the Indian Telecommunication Service of the Dept of Telecommunications, Government of India. The Tamilnadu Telecom Circle of BSNL has jurisdictions over the entire Tamilnadu State and Pondicherry Union Territory.
He is an Electronics & Communication Engineer graduated from Madras Institute of Technology  and a MBA Scholar specialised in Telecom Management with Post graduate diploma in HR Management. He hails from Ulundurpet, Villupuram District. He completed his schooling at Municipal Higher Secondary School Cuddalore and graduated in B.Sc Maths from Govt Arts College Vriddhachalam.
Prior to joining Indian Telecom Service, Shri. D. Thamizhmani has served as Scientist in DRDO at Jodhpur, Rajasthan. In DoT and BSNL, he has worked in various capacities including Additional General Manager, General Manager, Principal General Manager in Tamilnadu and Kerala Circles. He has also worked as Director Telecom Enforcement in Dept of Telecom Chennai with roles of regulating all Telecom and Internet Service providers as per licensing conditions.
He is experienced in HR Management, Telecom Transmission Network management of BSNL including Long distance Network, Maintenance of Tuticorin-Srilanka Submarine Cable Network & Chennai - Andaman Submarine Cable Network etc.,
His priority area of working is to improve the Quality of Service and ensure best customer services to the esteemed customers of BSNL, Tamilnadu Circle. More specifically to expedite the provisioning of Fiber Internet  and Mobile services in Tamilnadu Circle, including faster execution and launch of 4G Mobile services to the customers.
Ministry of Science & Technology
Country’s first ‘One Health’ consortium launched by D/o Biotechnology, Post COVID 19
COVID-19 pandemic showed the relevance of ‘One Health’ principles in the governance of infectious diseases, specially efforts to prevent and contain zoonotic diseases throughout the world. The risk of infectious agents capable of jumping the barriers of species is increasing, mainly because of the potential of novel infectious agents to spread rapidly around the globe due to increased travel, food habits and trade across borders . Such diseases have devastating impacts on animals, human, health systems, and economies, requiring years of social and economic recovery. Sensing this urgent need, the Department of Biotechnology , Ministry of Science and Technology, GoI supported a mega consortium on ‘One Health’. Dr. Renu Swarup, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of launched the First ‘One Health’ project of DBT through video conferencing. This programme envisages carrying out surveillance of important bacterial, viral and parasitic infections of zoonotic as well as transboundary pathogens in India, including the North-eastern part of the country. Use of existing diagnostic tests and the development of additional methodologies when required are mandated for the surveillance and for understanding the spread of emerging diseases.
Dr. Renu Swarup in her address during the launch of the programme remarked that this Consortium, consisting of 27 organisations led by DBT-National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, is one of the biggest one health programs launched by Govt of India in post-COVID times. The One health consortium consists of AIIMS, Delhi, AIIMS Jodhpur, IVRI, Bareily, GADVASU, Ludhiana, TANUVAS, Chennai, MAFSU, Nagpur, Assam agricultural and veterinary university and many more ICAR, ICMR centres and wild life agencies.
Subsequently, Dr. Renu Swarup, Secretary, DBT inaugurated the International mini-symposium on "Essentials of One Health" through Video Conferencing. Dr. Swarup in her inaugural address emphasized the need of a holistic approach to understand the health of human, animals and wildlife to minimize the damage caused by future pandemics. International and national speakers shared their views on initiating and nurturing the concept of ‘One Health’ where man, animal, plants and environment are needed to be considered complimentary to each other for maintaining health of all.
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
Hon’ble Prime Minister launches the first phase of “Rozgar Mela” to provide jobs to 10 lakh youth in Central Government
Union Minister Shri Hardeep S. Puri distributes appointment letters to new recruits from Punjab and adjoining areas during the “Job Fair” held at PLW, Patiala
Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today launched the first phase of “Rozgar Mela”, a recruitment drive for 10 lakh central government jobs through video conferencing in 50 centers across the country. Appointment letters were handed over to more than 75,000 newly appointed persons during the function.
On this occasion, Hon’ble Prime Minister also addressed these newly appointed persons through virtual mode and urged the newly appointed government employees to work with the spirit of service.
“Rozgar Mela” is an important step towards fulfilling the Prime Minister’s continued commitment to provide employment opportunities to the youth and ensure the welfare of the citizens. As per instructions of the Prime Minister, all Ministries and Departments are working to fill existing vacancies against sanctioned posts in mission mode.
In Punjab, this mega event was organized at Patiala Locomotive Works , Patiala and Rail Coach Factory , Kapurthala. Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep S. Puri, distributed appointment letters to new recruits from Punjab and adjoining areas during the “Job Fair” held at PLW, Patiala. These newly appointed persons were appointed in PLW Patiala, ESIC, Department of Posts, BSF, SSB and various national banks.
Shri Hardeep S. Puri tweeted, “Big day for the youth of India! PM @narendramodi Ji launches #RozgarMela in which govt jobs will be provided to 10 lakh young people! 75,000 jobs in first phase. Very happy to hand over appointment letters to 25 candidates out of total 75 selected from Patiala.”
This recruitment is done by Central Ministries and Departments themselves and through recruitment agencies like UPSC, SSC, Railway Recruitment Board. The selection process is simplified and technically efficient for faster recruitment.There was great enthusiasm among the newly appointed youth who gathered at PLW, Patiala, who were seen taking selfies and giving interviews. He thanked the Prime Minister profusely for getting the appointment.
RKJ/M
(Visitor Counter : 3464
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
India strengthens the CITES protection to Leith’s Soft-shelled Turtle
India’s proposal for transferring Leith’s Softshell Turtle  from Appendix II to Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora  has been adopted by the Conference of Parties  to CITES in its 19th Meeting at Panama.
The proposal was introduced by Shri Chandra Prakash Goyal, Director General of Forests & Special Secretary, MoEFCC on 23rd November 2022 when the Committee I of CoP took up the proposal for consideration.
Leith’s Softshell Turtle is a large fresh water soft-shelled turtle which is endemic to peninsular India and it inhabits rivers and reservoirs. The species has been subject to intensive exploitation over the past 30 years. It has been poached and illegally consumed within India. It has also been illegally traded abroad for meat and for its calipee. The population of this turtle species is estimated to have declined by 90% over the past 30 years such that the species is now difficult to find. It is classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ by the IUCN.
The species is listed on Schedule IV of the Wild Life  Act, 1972, which gives it protection from hunting as well as trade. However, poaching and illegal trade of protected turtle species is a major challenge in India with seizures of thousands of specimens reported every year. Species level identification of seized specimens is also a challenge. Tortoises and freshwater turtles are targeted for the international pet, meat and calipee trade, as well as for illegal domestic consumption in some areas.
The CITES Appendix I listing of this Turtle species would ensure that legal international trade in the species does not take place for commercial purposes. It would also ensure that international trade in captive-bred specimens only takes place from registered facilities and further that higher and more proportionate penalties are provided for illegal trade of the species.
The listing of the Leith’s soft-shell turtle, thereby, strengthens its CITES protection status so as to ensure better survival of the species.
The 19th meeting of the CoP to CITES is being held in Panama from 14th to 25th November 2022. India’s proposal for inclusion of Jeypore Hill Gecko  in Appendix II and the transfer of Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle  from Appendix II to Appendix I of CITES have also been adopted by the CoP in this meeting.
Election Commission
Voters of Tezpur, Kaliabor, Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Lakhimpur to elect their representatives on 11th April
41 Candidates in the fray for 5 Parliamentary Constituencies
9,574 polling stations set up for smooth conduct of elections
Assam will go to polls for General Elections-2019 in Phase 1. Five Parliamentary Constituencies  of Tezpur, Kaliabor, Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Lakhimpur will vote on 11th April. There are total 14 PCs in Assam, with another 5 PCs to be contested in Phase two while 4 will be contested in Phase 3.
7603458 voters, with 3865334 males, 3737970 females and 154 voters in Third Gender category will vote from five PCs to elect their representative.
There are 41 candidates, including two women and 12 independent, contesting for 5 Lok Sabha seats.
9,574 Polling Stations are spread over 5 Assam PCs in Phase 1.
The Notification for elections was issued on 18th March, with last date of filing nominations as 25th March. Scrutiny of nominations took place on 26th March while the last date for withdrawal of candidates was 28th March.
Ministry of Defence
Contract Signing with M/S Goa Shipyard Limited for Acquisition of two additional Project 1135.6 Follow-on Ships for Indian Navy
An Inter-Governmental Agreement  between the Government of Republic of India and Government of Russian Federation was concluded on 15 Oct 2016, for construction of additional Project 1135.6 Follow-on ships in India, at M/s Goa Shipyard Limited . In line with the IGA, the Government signed a contract for construction of two ships with Goa Shipyard Ltd, Goa to-date, with scheduled delivery in June 2026 and December 2026 respectively.
The Follow-on P 1135.6 series of frigates, customised to meet the Indian Navy’s specific requirements, are potent platforms, with a mission span covering the entire spectrum of Naval warfare; Air, Surface and Sub-surface. The ships would be equipped to operate in littoral and blue waters; both as a single unit and as consorts of a naval task force. Advanced features of stealth include a special hull design, to limit radar cross-section, low electromagnetic, infrared and under water noise signatures. The ships would carry highly sophisticated and state-of-art weapon systems and sensors. To support these ships through their life cycle, the Indian Navy has put in place requisite infrastructures for training and maintenance.
Importantly, in line with the Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, these ships being constructed at M/s GSL, Goa under Russian assistance, would make these platforms the largest number of ships of a class in service showcasing indigenous equipment such as sonar system, Brahmos missile system, Combat Management System etc.
DKS/AC
(
Ministry of Finance
Government puts in place measures to protect Commercial decision making by Banks
The Finance Minister hasrepeatedly assured Bankers that adequate measures would be takento protect honest commercial decisions taken by them and distinction would be made between genuine commercial failures and culpability.Every Bank was also required to take steps to dispose of internal disciplinary and vigilance cases in a time bound manner so that such cases do not linger on account of procedural delay so asto avoid adverse impact on staff morale and reduce scope for harassment.As part of this endeavor of Government, Section 17A was incorporated in Prevention of Corruption Act requiring prior permission before initiating investigation against a public servant.
The Central Vigilance Commissionhas, considering the complexities involved in the commercial decisions of managers in public sector, in the meanwhile,also set up the Advisory Board for Banking and Financial Frauds for a mandatory first level examination on suspected frauds in excess of Rs.50 croreinvolving publicservantsequivalent in rank to GMs&above, beforeenquiry or investigations begin.
Government has now modifiedits 2015 framework onlarge value fraudsdoing away with the personal responsibility of the MD & CEOs of PSBs for compliance withvarious prescribedtimelines.Powers have been delegated by Department of Financial Services to the Boardsof Public Sector lenders to put in place a suitable mechanism for ensuring compliance of the various timelines laid down in RBI and CVC circular. Similarly, the instructions of DFS of 2015 regarding compulsory examination of fraud for all NPA accounts exceeding Rs. 50 crorehavebeen aligned with the CVC circular of 15th Jan, 2020 whereby all such cases of suspicious fraud are to be initially referred to the ABBFF.
Government has separately directedBanks on 27.01.2020 to set up a committee of senior officers to monitor progress of pending disciplinary and internal vigilance casesas procedural delay, on one hand, adversely affects morale of the employees and on the other, breeds inefficiencies in the system.Therefore, every Bank must setup a Committee of Senior Officers to review pending disciplinary and internal vigilance cases and frame timelinesto reduce delays in deciding such cases.
|
|
STEPS BY GOVERNMENT
- Section 17A inserted inPC Act requiring prior permission before initiating investigation against a public servant.
- ABBFF constituted for first level of examination of suspected frauds in excess of Rs.50 crore.
- Personal responsibilities of MD &CEOs of PSBs for compliance with prescribed times lines done away with.
Compulsory examination of fraud for all NPA accounts exceeding Rs. 50 crorehas been aligned with CVC circular of 15th Jan, 2020 whereby all such cases of suspicious fraud are to be initially referred to the ABBFF.
- Committee of Senior Officers to monitor progress of pending disciplinary and internal vigilance cases and to frame timelines to reduce delays in deciding such cases.
RM/KMN/DKS
(Visitor Counter : 1675
Ministry of Finance
Framework for enabling Ancillary services at International Financial Services Centres notified
Considering the importance of professional and other service providers for the development of financial products, financial services and financial institutions in the International Financial Services Centres , a framework for enabling ancillary services has been notified.
The framework shall be applicable to ancillary service providers engaged in any one or more of the following activities:
- Legal, Compliance and Secretarial;
- Auditing, Accounting, Bookkeeping and Taxation Services;
- Professional & Management Consulting Services;
- Administration, Assets Management Support Services and Trusteeship Services;
- Any other services as approved by IFSCA from time to time.
The framework details the activities of permissible ancillary services, eligible entities, service recipients, etc. The detailed framework is available on the IFSCA website at the URL: https://ifsca.gov.in/Circular
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Scheme for Employment Generation in The Country
Employment generation coupled with improving employability is the priority concern of the Government. Government has taken various steps for generating employment in the country like encouraging private sector of economy, fast tracking various projects involving substantial investment and increasing public expenditure on schemes like Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme  run by Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme , Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana  scheme run by Ministry of Rural Development and Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Urban Livelihoods Mission  run by Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs.
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana  has been initiated by Government for facilitating self-employment. Under PMMY collateral free loans upto Rs. 10 lakh, are extended to small/micro business enterprises and to individuals to enable them to setup or expand their business activities. Till 25th January, 2019, total 15.59 crore loans have been sanctioned under the scheme.
Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana has been initiated by the Ministry of Labour and Employment in the year 2016-17 for incentivizing employers for employment generation. Under this scheme, Government is paying the entire employer’s contribution  towards the EPS and EPF for all sectors w.e.f. 01.04.2018 to all eligible new employees for the next 3 years from the date of registration of the new employee. Till 28th January, 2019, benefits have been given to 1.29 lakh establishments covering 1.05 crore beneficiaries.
Under Skill India Mission, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is implementing a flagship scheme known as Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana  2016-20 with an objective to provide skilling to one crore people under Short Term Training , Recognition of Prior Learning  and Special Project  across the country for four years i.e. 2016-2020 with an outlay of Rs. 12,000 crore. Under the scheme, short duration skill development training programme is being imparted to all prospective candidates including candidates belonging to BPL in the country.
Under PMKVY 2016-20, as on 24.01.2019, 37.32 lakh  candidates have been trained under STT , RPL  and Special Project  in the country. Under PMKVY 2016-20 scheme, placement tracking is mandatory. The placement data is reported within 90 days of certification of trained candidate. As per data reported on SDMS, as on 24.01.2019, 21.03 lakh candidates are certified under STT and SPs of PMKVY 2016-20. The number of candidates certified under STT and SPs of PMKVY 90 days prior i.e. 26.10.2018 is 19.39 lakh. Out of these candidates, as on 24.01.2019, 10.64 lakh candidates have been placed in various sectors across the country.
This information was given by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State  for Labour and Employment in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Toll Plazas in the Country
As on 30th November, 2022, 835 user fee plazas are operational on National Highways across the country under National Highways Authority of India out of which 54 user fee plazas are operational in the state of Karnataka.
At present, 514 user fee plazas are being operated by the contractors whereas a total of 321 fee plazas are being operated by the concessionaires across the country. In the state of Karnataka, 18 fee plazas are being operated by the contractors whereas a total of 36 user fee plazas are being operated by the concessionaires.
Concession period of Nashik Phata – Khed section of National Highway 60 has been completed on 8th October, 2021. The stretch has been handed over to National Highways Authority of India for tolling at reduced rates of 40% in accordance with National Highways Fee  Rules, 2008. However, tolling is yet to commence at Chandoli and Moshi Fee Plazas of Nashik Phata- Khed section.
There is no provision of closing of user fee plazas as per National Highways Fee  Rules, 2008, as amended from time to time.
National Highways Authority of India has made the provision of emergency services like Ambulance, patrolling vehicle and crane on 24x7 basis at every fee plaza and also there is a provision of toilet blocks for public use at fee plazas. Further, NHAI has also developed way side amenities at selected locations along few National Highways, wherein the project facilities like public conveniences, fuel refilling stations, restaurants and parking bays etc. have been developed.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
PIB Headquarters
Remya Sreekantan joins Chennai Airport as first woman firefighter of Southern Region in AAI
Ms.Remya Sreekantan, 28, is the first woman firefighter  in Southern India and third in AAI, has joined as Junior Assistant  at Chennai Airport on 01.11.2019. She has undergone four – month rigorous training at Fire Training Centre , New Delhi, prior assuming duties at Chennai Airport.
Speaking about her new assignment, Ms.Remya said “I think, I have landed up on a job which is challenging and I am confident of delivering. I hope more women will join FS  in future, but then we need to have the right mindset to explore the avenue  at disposal”.
Hailing from a modest family in Trivandrum, Kerala, Ms. Remya is a post graduate in structural Engineering. She was Assistant Professor at LBS Institute of Technology for Women prior to joining AAI. She is mother of a two-year old child.
Airport Firefighter job is a hard one for the taking. Typically, the first respondents to a disaster call or situation, the job warrants alertness combined with remarkable physical and mental strength to sustain with it. A work space that remained as a male stronghold for long looks a tad different now. Airports Authority of India  inducted the first woman fire fighter in its ranks in 2018, heralding the change that was about to take place in future, according to a press release issued by the Airport Authority of India, Chennai Airport.
Ministry of Defence
Successful Flight Tests of Smart Anti Airfield Weapon
Indigenously designed and developed guided bombs Smart Anti Airfield Weapon  were successfully flight tested from IAF aircraft at Chandan range. The weapon system was integrated with live warhead and has destroyed the targets with high precision. The telemetry and tracking systems captured all the mission events. This weapon is capable of destroying variety of ground targets using precision navigation. A total of three tests with different release conditions were conducted during 16 to 18 August 2018 and all the mission objectives have been achieved.
The weapon has undergone eight developmental trials till date and performance of system for different ranges under multiple launch conditions has been demonstrated. Senior officials from DRDO, HAL and Indian Air Force participated and witnessed the flight tests.
Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman congratulated the DRDO, IAF and HAL on the successful flight tests for further boosting the defence capabilities of the country.
NAo/Rajib
(Visitor Counter : 2828